Hot Money

Plot

The drama tells the story of three workers at the Bank of England incinerating plant in Essex. The trio, led by Bridget (Caroline Quentin), hatch a plan to steal thousands of pounds by stashing the notes in their underwear.

Production

The show was revealed in an announcement by ITV in January 2001 of two future projects - In Blood Strangers and Hot Money - starring Caroline Quentin who Nick Elliott, ITV controller of drama, described as being "...very good at playing very ordinary women." Filming began in February 2001.

Reception

The show received a 44% audience share between 9pm and 11pm, according to unofficial overnight figures; it was screened against a Panorama investigative special programme on BBC1. Reception by newspaper critics ranged from "inadequate script" (Daily Mail; Daily Telegraph) to "thrilling comedy caper" (Mirror).

Remake

In 2008, the film was remade in the United States under the name Mad Money, starring Diane Keaton as Bridget, Katie Holmes as Jackie, Queen Latifah as Liz (renamed Nina for the US audiences), and Ted Danson as Don. Lindsay Lohan was initially cast to play Jackie but was replaced due to a lack of completion bond.